Mar 24, 2023 14:00:00

Introducing the first high-spec model equipped with a graphic board from Framework, a module-exchangeable PC that allows easy replacement and repair of parts

Framework , which develops and sells module-exchangeable notebook PCs that can easily replace and repair parts, is the latest model of ' Framework Laptop 13 ' and the high-spec model ' Framework Laptop 16' equipped with a freely replaceable graphic board. ” was announced.

Framework | 13th Gen Intel® Core™ and AMD Ryzen™ 7040 Series join the
https://frame.work/blog/framework-laptop-13-with-13th-gen-intel-core-and-amd-ryzen-7040-series

Framework | Introducing the Framework Laptop 16
https://frame.work/blog/introducing-the-framework-laptop-16

Framework's first gaming laptop features upgradeable GPUs, swappable keyboards | Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/03/frameworks-next-project-is-a-16-inch-modular-upgradeable-gaming-laptop/

◆Framework Laptop 13
Framework Laptop 13, 'Framework Laptop 13 (13th Gen Intel Core)' equipped with 13th generation Intel Core processor family and 'Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen 7040 Series)' equipped with AMD's Ryzen 7040 series are new joined the 'Framework Laptop 13 (13th Gen Intel Core)' will start shipping in May 2023, and 'Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen 7040 Series)' will start shipping in the third quarter of 2023 (July-September).

After feedback from the last two years, the new Framework Laptop 13 comes with some improvements. The new

61Wh battery is the same size as the old battery but has an 11% increase in capacity, and can maintain 80% of the initial battery capacity even after 1,000 repeated charge/discharge cycles in normal use. .

In addition, the new display maintains the same resolution, color gamut, contrast, and brightness as the old model, while the surface is matte, making it more comfortable to work in various lighting conditions.

In addition,

the hinge part, which is the opening and closing mechanism of the display, has also evolved to the second generation, making it easy to open and close the display with one hand. In addition, it seems that the performance of fixing the display at a certain angle has improved stability.

The table below summarizes the various processors and other component combinations available in the new Framework Laptop 13.

	13th Generation Intel Core Processor Family			Ryzen 7040 series
processor	i5-1340P	i7-1360P	i7-1370P	Ryzen 5	Ryzen 7
speaker	Speaker Kit-80dB	Speaker Kit-80dB	Speaker Kit-80dB	Speaker Kit - Original	Speaker Kit - Original
battery	55 Wh	61 Wh	61 Wh	55 Wh	61 Wh
hinge	2nd generation hinge	2nd generation hinge	2nd generation hinge	2nd generation hinge	2nd generation hinge
display	mat display	mat display	mat display	mat display	mat display
memory (RAM)	DDR4-3200	DDR4-3200	DDR4-3200	DDR5-5600	DDR5-5600

'Framework Laptop 13 (13th Gen Intel Core)' and 'Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen 7040 Series)' are

available for reservation and can be purchased at the same price. You can purchase a DIY model that you need to assemble yourself from $ 849 (about 110,000 yen) and a pre-assembled model from $ 1049 (about 137,000 yen).

◆Framework Laptop 16
In addition, 'Framework Laptop 16', which has higher specifications than Framework Laptop 13, has also been announced. The biggest feature of Framework Laptop 16 is that it has a fully reconfigurable input deck and a modular and replaceable graphic board at any time.

According to Framework's survey, about half and half of people want a keyboard with a numeric keypad, and half and half want a keyboard without a numeric keypad. Therefore, Framework Laptop 16 made it possible to customize the surroundings of the keyboard according to the user's taste.

The input module consists of a keyboard module and a numeric keypad module (2 sizes), and users can customize whether or not to place the numeric keypad according to their preferences. Also, it seems that keyboard modules with backlight are under development. Framework is being developed as an open source, so we can expect that custom parts from third parties will appear around this keyboard. “We can’t wait to see the amazing options the community develops, such as sliders, touch displays and card readers,” said Framework.

In addition, Framework Laptop 16 adopts

an expansion bay system that can be replaced at any time by making the graphic board removable. In the expansion bay system, it will be possible to replace the graphic board independently from other parts of the notebook PC. Since the expansion bay module can expand both the thickness and depth of the notebook PC, it seems to have the flexibility to respond to changes in each GPU generation.

The expansion bay system can realize various use cases other than graphics through the PCIe X8 interface. For example, it is planned to add 16 TB of storage by inserting dual M.2 SSDs in the expansion bay module. And since this expansion bay system is also open source, it's expected to be a breeding ground for groundbreaking ideas from third-party developers.

The Framework Laptop 16 is scheduled to ship in the second half of 2023.